We completed Mo and Julie’s South Park DADU in 2022. About a year ago they started booking it out as a short term vacation rental. I sat down with Mo so she could share her experience with those considering building an additional dwelling in their backyard for the purpose of hosting on VRBO or AirBnB.
BBC: When did you begin renting out your DADU on Airbnb, and how do you like it so far?
Mo: We have been renting for about a year on Airbnb, and so far, it’s been a good experience. We stay booked most of the time. Spring, Summer, and Fall are the most busy.
BBC: When the DADU construction was completed, how did you prepare it for a vacation rental that guests would enjoy?
Mo: We aimed to create a space we would want to stay in when traveling. So we put a lot of thought into curating a clean, comfortable, and inviting space that was also unique enough that the guests’ experience would feel authentic and memorable. We bought everything new for the place, including a good bed, breathable linens, fresh white towels, matching cookware, table settings, and dishes. We also supply shampoo, conditioner, body soap, fresh coffee beans, tea, and essential cooking ingredients. Also in, the DADU is a comfy couch with commercial-grade material where people can chill out and tune into their favorite shows on a Smart TV.
Mo: Our art selection is an ongoing venture! We currently have a few large wall hangings to complement the environment. We wanted the space to feel clean and orderly and not to have it feel chintzy or personal, so we took a minimalistic approach. Like no tchotchkes, on shelves, generic wall hangings or personal photographs, things like that. Hmmm, well maybe we crossed that line with large photo of our dog that hangs in the bathroom.
BBC: In the beginning of every DADU Build we tell our clients that they have to think about landscaping. We will be building an entire home in their backyard so whatever is there needs to make way for construction. How did you approach your backyard landscaping?
Mo: The exterior of our DADU was super important to us too. We thought about the guest experience, starting from the front of our house and the path guests take to the backyard to the vacation rental. We landscaped a wheely luggage-friendly, well-lit path that takes guests straight to the front door of the DADU. We made it easy to enter the space by installing a numeric key lock for self-check-in.
We also offer an outdoor area to guests, so we created a secluded-like garden with a propane gas firepit where guests can hang out and relax.
BBC: What was required to set up your Airbnb profile?
Mo: Signing up as a vacation rental host is no big deal for some people. However, the first part was challenging for impatient me. Initially, you must get licenses and insurance lined up. From there, it’s a maze navigating through the online bureaucratic hoops.
Washington requires a short-term rental license called a STR to list on Airbnb or VRBO. I was unaware of this additional step until the very end and an alert popped up. So I had to go back through weeds to learn how to get a STR. The end of the tunnel did come once I registered and paid for that license! Once you add that license number to your profile the light shines we the awarding message “Your Listing is Now Active” or something like that!
BBC: What else do you have to do get your listing ready for prime time?
Mo: I do marketing for work so this part was easier me. You want your profile to be accurate and appealing. Good photographs are essential. If you don’t know how to take good photographs, get somebody who does.
Then there is the writing part. Anyone who has created an online dating profile will be familiar with the process! A unique profile name is a great starting point for developing your vacation rentals write-up. We gave our DADU some campiness by naming her Jackie Oasis or Jackie O for short. From there, you talk about the amenities you offer, like laundry or air conditioning, etc., information about your neighborhood, and typically you may want to describe what makes your place unique.
You must also consider the rules you want guests to follow, like “No Parties” or “Unregistered guests.” In addition, you will have to provide check-in and check-out procedures. The good news is the platform websites will guide you through the process, including how you will receive payment, how much your will charge, and the availability of your vacation rental.
Once you dig into it, you will find many ways to customize your operation. Of course, it takes some time to get it all worked out, but once it’s done, you’re in business!
BBC: What were some of your initial concerns regarding renting out your DADU to strangers?
Mo: Initially, I was concerned about hosting strangers in our backyard and, ultimately, the desire not to fail the guest experience. Since we started hosting, we have hosted about 35 or 40 guests and enjoyed almost all of them. A potential ongoing concern involves AirBnB’s Super Host status that gets attached to your profile when you get x amount of 5-star reviews. Getting the marketing badge doesn’t take long, but I have heard temporarily losing is a possibility.
BBC:: Overall, would you recommend hosting to other DADU owners?
Mo: Sure! I like people and passive income is nice. But, of course, there is always a some stress because it’s a business. I’d recommend a gut check before someone becomes a host. But, you’re not locked into it, so it’s worth giving it a shot. There are so many ways to go about earning income from a DADU. For example, if you do not want people frequently coming and going, you can set up a long-term rental, or another great opportunity is renting to traveling nurses from sites like Furnish Finder. Traveling nurses typically sign a lease for three or more months at a time. No matter what, the extra space is a lifestyle changer whether you are making money from it or enjoying your DADU for personal reasons!
BBC: Thank you, Mo, for your hosting insights! I’m sure there will be many more questions about this topic as we build DADUs. So I may reach out again.
Mo: Absolutely! Great talking with you, Michael!